Muslims ceased control of the "Promised Land" from the 7th to the 11th century. In 1096 the Pope ordered a crusade to recapture the promised land and indicated that to fight in the crusade was a holy obligation. Indulgences were offered to the soldiers who fought. European royals concurred with the Pope and many Knighted successful soldiers upon their return from battle. By 1300 there were more than five declared crusades.
To be knighted was to automatically improve one's social status, so many young men welcomed the opportunity. Primogeniture excluded many a good man from knighthood by birth, so an earned knighthood was appealing.
DECISION: You are a thirdborn in England in 1190. Do you relish the opportunity to go on the crusade?
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